MDOT helping drivers handle roundabouts

Source: www.michigan.govThe Michigan Department of Transportation has this interactive demonstration on how to navigate roundabouts.

In recognition of a growing number of sometimes-confusing traffic circles in Michigan, like the new one at Third and Clay in downtown Muskegon, the Michigan Department of Transportation has thoughtfully provided instructions in its newly released 2008 state map.

"How to Drive a Roundabout" provides these tips for negotiating your way through an intersection with neither red lights nor stop signs.

• Choose your lane before entering.

• Yield to traffic already in the roundabout and to pedestrians in crosswalks.

• Use signs and pavement markings to help guide you.

Simple. And there's even an illustration showing the counter-clockwise traffic flow, and the proper path for going straight, turning left and turning right.

MDOT says roundabouts are easy to navigate and safer than traditional intersections.